The role
Professors Sam Asher (Imperial College London) and Paul Novosad (Dartmouth College) are hiring junior researchers (predocs) to work with the Development Data Lab (DDL) team. DDL works at the intersection of economics and data science, using novel big data sources to generate cutting edge research on the major challenges in economic development, with a focus on India. You will work directly with the principal investigators in the development of new research and the completion of ongoing projects. Qualified candidates will have strong quantitative and computer skills, with experience in data analysis and management using Stata, Python, and/or R. Other computer programming skills, especially data processing in Python and spatial work with QGIS (or ArcGIS), are highly desirable. Comfort with command line and software development tools and concepts such as git/GitHub, software builds, and data pipelines are a plus. Tasks will include scraping, managing, and analyzing very large datasets on poverty and growth in India, working with new methods in computer science and statistics, conducting literature reviews, and participating in the entire pipeline of the research process.
The work will be largely split into two areas. The first is in our emerging research agenda on the relationships between social norms and gender disparities in India. Recent work has involved literature reviews in cultural and gender economics, data processing to create novel data from anthropological archives, collection of novel neighborhood-level data across India’s cities, and data analysis on the causes and effects of cultural change in cities. The second is the development of open data platforms, including both the SHRUG as well as a new urban-focused global data platform. Finally, you will contribute to the broader DDL research agenda, assisting with data and analytical tasks as required on other projects.
Working with our team, you will learn cutting edge methods in computer science and economics, which are highly valued in the research world and the private sector. You will also learn big data skills that are increasingly valuable in academic research but are not currently being taught in Economics departments. We aim to give predocs room to run in developing research skills and participating in research projects at all levels. While it is not a guaranteed outcome, the majority of our predocs end up authoring papers with us. You will work closely with a team of predocs and data scientists, with regular tech talks, journal clubs, and other opportunities to develop your research skills. We generally seek to hire people who can join our time for at least two years – enough time to enable them to build the skills and experience to launch a career in economic research, development, and/or data science. This position has a track record of placements in top Econ PhD programs, other elite graduate programs, and development institutions.
About DDL
We founded Development Data Lab with the idea that harnessing new streams of data can dramatically improve the way that policymaking and research are conducted in developing countries. Across the world, there is a severe shortage of data that policymakers and researchers can use to design, implement, and evaluate effective policies, in spite of the vast data streams created by government and private sector processes. We need capable, motivated individuals to help us build an open data universe for development research, and to deploy these data to build better policy and contribute to making a better society.
Location: US-based remote preferred, but with the possibility of London, Hanover NH, Delhi or elsewhere in India
Deadline to apply: Applicants are reviewed on a rolling basis
Desired start date: As soon as possible; summer or fall also a possibility
Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with experience/qualifications
- Excellent management and organizational skills along with strong quantitative skills
- Bachelor's degree in the sciences, computer science, economics, statistics or a related field. A candidate with a Master’s degree would also be considered.
- Knowledge of Stata, Python, or R, or equivalent
- Knowledge of GIS software and Linux systems (desirable but not required)
- Fluency and excellent communication skills in English
- Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and team player
Healthcare reimbursement; generous paid sick and holiday leave; annual education credit
